US Trademark Registration Guide Introduction to Company Categories Eligible forTrademark Application

American Trademark Registration Guide Which Categories Are Available for Company Trademark Applications?

As global commercial competition intensifies, trademark registration has become an essential tool for companies to protect their brand image and intellectual property. Recently, the United States Patent and Trademark Office USPTO has released a series of new policy adjustments, providing clearer guidance for companies intending to apply for trademarks in the U.S. This article will combine recent news updates to provide readers with a comprehensive guide to American trademark registration, while exploring which categories are available for companies to apply for trademarks.

I. Basic Requirements for Trademark Registration

1. The applicant must possess legitimate business qualifications and have no history of violating any laws.

2. The trademark design must be clear and easily recognizable.

3. The trademark must not infringe upon others' prior rights or violate public interests.

II. Trademark Application Process and Timeline

1. Application Stage The applicant submits the trademark design and related documents for review.

Timeframe Approximately 1-2 working days.

2. Formal Review USPTO staff verify whether the application documents are complete.

Timeframe Approximately 1-2 working days.

3. Substantive Examination USPTO evaluates whether the trademark is registrable and whether it infringes on others' rights.

Timeframe Approximately 4-6 months.

4. Objection Phase If someone opposes the trademark registration, the applicant must respond. This process may extend the timeline.

5. Approval and Registration Upon no objections, the trademark will pass through the announcement period and officially register successfully. The entire process typically takes about 1-3 years.

III. Categories Available for Trademark Application in the U.S.

According to the new policies issued by the USPTO, the following categories are available for companies to apply for trademarks

1. Food, beverages, alcoholic drinks;

2. Cosmetics, personal care products;

3. Clothing, footwear, bags and luggage;

4. Electronic products, computer software and hardware;

5. Medical supplies, pharmaceuticals;

6. Educational training, cultural entertainment products;

7. Building materials, furniture;

8. Vehicles and accessories, motorcycles and accessories;

9. Financial services, insurance;

10. Other goods or services that comply with relevant U.S. laws and regulations.

IV. Additional Notes on Trademark Registration

1. The validity period of a U.S. trademark is ten years, requiring timely renewal upon expiration.

2. To ensure smooth registration, it is recommended to conduct a trademark search before applying to reduce the risk of similar trademarks.

3. In cases of trademark infringement in the U.S., companies can defend their rights through litigation or by applying for temporary measures.

4. When using a registered trademark in advertisements or promotional materials, ensure consistency with the actual registered information to avoid disputes over infringement.

In conclusion, based on the new policies of the USPTO, the aforementioned categories are available for companies to apply for trademarks. During the application process, applicants should pay attention to relevant procedures and timelines to ensure a smooth application. Additionally, to minimize the risks of trademark registration, it is advisable to conduct thorough market research and trademark searches before submitting an application. To safeguard their rights, businesses should also ensure the legality of their use of registered trademarks to avoid disputes over infringement.